Patients told to go online in radical NHS reform

The NHS would award ‘kitemark’ recognition to apps or websites that could help patients to improve their healthSimon Walker/The Times

Patients will be able to view test results and book appointments online under “radical” plans to make accessing the NHS as simple as online banking.

An official report yesterday set out how patients would be able to view their health records online by 2018 in an effort to make the health service a “digital pioneer”.

Doctors would also be able to prescribe free smartphone apps to patients, to help them to manage conditions such as diabetes and depression.

The NHS would award “kitemark” recognition to apps or websites that could help patients to improve their health, such as reminders to take medication, tools to track blood pressure or ways to spot signs of stress.